Join me for a time to gather in community with like-minded entrepreneurs (or those looking to make the leap!) seeking to connect and learn from one another with Mackenzie as the guide — sharing her 14 years of diverse entrepreneurial experience in a curated way to help you along your path.

We will meet in person for the retreat at The Kester Homestead on Friday, Feb. 2nd from 10am - 2pm.

The workshop will be crafted in a very casual, open way where peer discussion is encouraged (a wonderful way for us all to learn from one another). I will share my knowledge in the fields of owning and operating two businesses, strategies around hiring/staffing, vision around design and branding, payroll and bookkeeping resources — as well as specifics around opening a store, how to wholesale, sourcing information, photoshoots tips, wedding event production, event coordination, floral design and so much more (as is relevant to the group). I will offer guidance from my perspective, a business owner who may just be a little further down a path you’re interested in walking on. I can share successes, challenges, pivots and anything in between that might help you on your own journey. Each workshop will be tailored to fit the unique interests and needs of the attendees - and a brief questionnaire will go out before the workshop to learn more about what you’re looking to get out of this experience.

Workshop Timeline:

10-10:30am - We will start the morning with coffee, tea and local pastries inside The Kester Homestead with time to wander around the house and meet one another

10:30-12 - Workshop time gathered around the couch where Mackenzie will review her background and the floor will open for each person to share their business ventures. Ample time to answer questions, offer guidance and provide coaching in an intimate setting with fellow entrepreneurs or those looking to start their own businesses.

12-12:30pm - Break for lunch with local charcuterie, homemade sandwiches and other little nibbles

12:30 - 2pm - Workshop time continued, collaborative peer brainstorm sessions and open discussions with resources provided.

If you’re looking to start a business or expand an existing one to the next level - this is a safe place where we are all here to help one another cross that threshold, providing knowledge from our own unique experiences in a really digestible, easeful way!

Space will be very limited to encourage enough time for everyone to be heard (limited to a group of 4-5 attendees). More dates will open based on interest and a “one-on-one” Zoom coaching session will also be available for those interested in a personalized session with me as your guide.

COME GATHER WITH US AT OUR SUMMER SOIREE POTLUCK at THE KESTER HOMESTEAD!

Join us on Sunday, August 6th from 4-7pm for a summer picnic with drinks, bonfires and lawn games and a live band!

The Summer Soiree is a time to gather with friends old and new - share a POTLUCK PICNIC dish and BYOB for the Community Bar. This is a lovely time to gather, relax and explore the property. The 1854 House will be open for self guided tours and you can wander the rambling trails out to the Woodland’s Cathedral and chill out in the Wild Garden. Dinner and music will be set-up in the Gambrel Barn.

This event is FREE but ticketed, so we know how many places to set at the table (kiddos are more than welcome, just be sure to book everyone a ticket so we set enough seats!)

MORE DETAILS:

The theme is SUMMER PICNIC - so bring a dish that honors the summer harvest and please choose to support local growers, farmers, or pluck from your own garden if you can when preparing your dish! We strive to be conscious in our consumption, so if you bring meat, try to follow the same ethos! We have so many amazing farmers here in Upstate NY, so support local however you can for this meal.

There are typically ~120-150 guests at these gatherings, so a bring either a main, salad, side or dessert that could feed 10-20 and we’ll have more than enough food!

Bring beer, wine, lemonade, or whatever you want to add to the BYOB Community Bar, or feel free to bring what only you’ll drink and keep it at your table. The Kester Homestead will not be serving drinks for sale.

The BAND is playing from 4-7pm, so we hope to see your tootsies on the dance floor!

This gathering is open to everybody free of charge, but we do ask that you RSVP below to reserve a ticket for yourself and your guests so that we can properly accommodate everyone!

Are you interested in hosting your wedding at The Kester Homestead? We will have a select number of guided tours available with our Event Coordinator this evening - schedule with us now before they’re all gone!